In the latest installment of the Dysgraphia Life Webinar Series, we welcomed Lisa Lightner, an acclaimed IEP advocate, to share actionable tips for parents navigating the complex landscape of Individualized Education Programs (IEP). Known for her advocacy work and her informative blog "A Day in Our Shoes," Lisa offered practical advice to help parents build effective habits for successful advocacy. Watch the full webinar recording here.
Key Insights on IEP Advocacy from Lisa Lightner:
Calendar Usage for Documentation:
Lisa emphasized the importance of maintaining a calendar in the kitchen to document daily occurrences and your child's activities. This simple habit can provide vital evidence during IEP meetings. By tracking days when services such as Orton-Gillingham or Wilson reading instruction were or weren't provided, parents can hold schools accountable for the implementation of crucial educational interventions.
Tracking One-on-One Services:
Lisa advised parents to regularly ask their children whether they received specific services each day and document their responses. This daily tracking ensures that services outlined in the IEP are being faithfully executed and provides concrete data to use in advocacy.
Email Organization:
Another key habit Lisa recommended is the organization of emails. Creating dedicated email folders for communications about your child’s school and activities can simplify the retrieval of important information later on. This practice ensures that all pertinent communications are easily accessible when needed.
Designated Space for School Items:
To keep homework, school projects, and other documents organized, Lisa suggested creating a designated space, or even a “junk drawer,” at home. This centralized location helps parents ensure they have the necessary documentation readily available.
Documentation of Incidents and Progress:
Lisa highlighted the critical role of documenting daily incidents and progress. Whether it's noting the difficulties a child faces with homework or recording instances of bullying, such documentation is invaluable during IEP meetings. It allows parents to present a detailed and accurate picture of their child's needs and progress.
Importance of Prior Written Notice (PWN):
Understanding Prior Written Notice (PWN) is essential, Lisa explained. PWN obligates schools to inform parents in writing before making any changes to an IEP, providing a built-in layer of accountability and transparency.
Parental Rights and Procedural Safeguards:
Parents must familiarize themselves with the Procedural Safeguards booklet, which details their rights. Though often lengthy and written in legal jargon, reading a bit daily can unveil crucial information over time. This understanding is vital for effective advocacy.
Training and Resources:
Lisa encouraged parents to seek out training or webinars on IEPs and PWNs from state parent training centers or online resources. Educating oneself on these topics can significantly bolster advocacy efforts.
Creating a Snapshot IEP and Vision Statement:
Lisa also recommended creating a one-page IEP summary to highlight key priorities and accommodations. Additionally, drafting a vision statement for your child's long-term education goals ensures that everyone on the IEP team is aligned with the parents' aspirations for their child's progress.
Developing Advocacy Habits:
Echoing the philosophy from the book "Atomic Habits," Lisa emphasized that consistent habit formation, rather than setting broad goals, is the key to becoming a better advocate. Simple actions like writing requests, documenting daily activities, and organizing records can collectively lead to substantial improvements in advocacy.
Thank you to everyone who attended the webinar live! Your questions and comments in the chat enriched our discussion. If you missed it or would like to watch it again, you can find the full recording here and additional resources shared by Lisa below. Your journey in advocating for your child's education is important, and we hope these insights make your path a bit clearer and more manageable.
Additional Resources shared by Lisa:
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